P00C6: How to Diagnose & Fix — Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low - Engine Cranking
2 vehicles · 2 makes · $1,000-$1,200 repair
How to diagnose and fix P00C6: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
GMC Sierra 1500 · 2014–2019
GM tells technicians that the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve may stick or bind, holding the valve timing retarded, which can cause an intermittent crank-no-start with code P0011 and/or P00C6 stored. GM says the engine may sound like it is cranking fast and fuel rail pressure may read low while cranking. 2014-2019 GMC Sierra with the 4.3L V6 (LV3), 5.3L V8 (L83) or 6.2L V8 (L86), per GM preliminary information PIP5130K.
How to Fix
Have a qualified GM technician diagnose the no-start. PIP5130K has the technician use the scan tool to cycle the intake camshaft position actuator solenoid 4 or 5 times and try to start the engine; if it still will not start, the technician energizes the solenoid directly while cranking to free it. This is GM preliminary information for technicians, not a recall or a promise of free repair.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (1)
Chevrolet Equinox · 2023–2024
Owners of 2023-2024 Equinox models with the 1.5L turbo (LSD) report the engine-mounted high-pressure direct-injection fuel pump failing, often well under 60,000 miles (some as early as 28,000 miles). The pump can no longer maintain rail pressure, so the engine suddenly loses power, drops into 'Engine Power Reduced' limp mode (speed limited to roughly 5-55 mph), stalls, or won't restart, frequently leaving the vehicle undrivable and requiring a tow. CarComplaints logged 20 distinct 2023 fuel/propulsion complaints centered on this part, and many owners report the replacement pump being on national back-order for months. This is a separate failure from the earlier 2021-2022 in-tank low-pressure fuel pump module recall.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of power / stalling while driving
- Engine Power Reduced / limp mode (speed capped 5-55 mph)
- Check engine light
- Hesitation and loss of acceleration
- No-start or vehicle must be towed
How to Fix
Dealer diagnoses low fuel-rail pressure and replaces the high-pressure fuel pump (and gaskets); some cases also require fuel injectors or rail cleaning. Out of warranty, repairs have run roughly $1,000-$1,100. Owners should check for any GM warranty extension or special coverage and verify it is the high-pressure pump (not the in-tank module) before paying out of pocket.
Sources for this issue (2)
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P00C6 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P00C6 mean?
P00C6 stands for "Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low - Engine Cranking." On direct-injection engines the PCM monitors high-pressure fuel-rail pressure during cranking. This code sets when the rail fails to reach the pressure required to start the engine, which usually results in extended cranking, hard starting, or a no-start.
What are the most common causes of P00C6?
The most common causes of P00C6 are: Weak or failing low-pressure (lift) fuel pump, Failing high-pressure fuel pump, Leaking or stuck fuel injector, Clogged fuel filter or restricted supply, Faulty fuel rail pressure sensor, Very low fuel level. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P00C6?
Repair costs for P00C6 range from $1,000 to $1,200, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P00C6?
Au7o has documented P00C6 across 2 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Chevrolet, GMC.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.